Michael Shannon emerges as frontrunner to play Cable in 'Deadpool 2'

March 23 (UPI) -- Michael Shannon has become Fox's top choice to portray X-Men character Cable in Deadpool 2, according to new reports.

Shannon is said to be leading the pack of actors who have made the studio's list to play Cable including Stranger Things star David Harbour, The Hollywood Reporter noted.

Previously, actor Kyle Chandler's name was attached to the role however, he is no longer in the running.

Shannon has previously starred in a pair of superhero films including 2010's Jonah Hex and director Zack Snyder's 2013 Superman revival Man of Steel as villain General Zod.

Deadpool 2, which currently has no release date, is set to be directed by John Wick co-helmer David Leitch after the first film's director Tim Miller dropped out of the project due to creative differences with star Ryan Reynolds.

The sequel will be expanding its cast of mutants with Atlanta star Zazie Beetz having already been cast in the role of mercenary Domino.

Cable, also known as Nathan Summers, hails from the future and is the adult son of X-Men character Cyclops. He is often paired with Deadpool in the Marvel comics as the duo shared a 50-issue series together.